TeamViewer vs. LogMeIn

LogMeIn and TeamViewer develop software programs that allow users to remotely access a computer or other device via a smartphone, tablet, or other computer. Both companies also offer data backup services, chat software, and several other programs alongside their remote access software. This comparison focuses on the remote access tools by LogMeIn and TeamViewer.

Although LogMeIn once offered a basic free version of its program, this is no longer the case, as of January 2014; the company now offers only a trial version of its software. Pricing plans for LogMeIn's remote access tools start at $99 a year for up to 2 users. TeamViewer is completely free for personal use, but businesses must buy a license to use the software in commercial applications. Commercial licensing starts at $749 for up to 15 users.

Contents: TeamViewer vs LogMeIn

Features

TeamViewer for Mac

LogMeIn allows users to access and manage computers remotely. The company offers many different products with different features, but only paid versions are available for personal use. Various LogMeIn products enable users to sync clipboard data, make use of keyboard mapping, and save and manage passwords. Other features include multi-monitor support, HD video quality screen-sharing, remote-to-local printing, desktop sharing, file sharing, cloud syncing and backup, remote sound, drag and drop file transfer, and background login.

LogMeIn Screen

TeamViewer's remote access can be used for a wide variety of collaborative and supportive services, ranging from file sharing, online meetings, and recorded conferences, to troubleshooting a computer or network and granting or removing access from off-site devices. Depending on the level of access, everything from administrative functions to single-file access can be managed from the dashboard. TeamViewer is free for non-commercial use and adds a layer of security by using automatic logouts when any session ends.

Demos

A demo featuring TeamViewer:

A 2-minute demo on how to use LogMeIn:

Products and Editions

TeamViewer offers a number of different remote access products:

TeamViewer All-in-One allows users to establish connections as well as wait for incoming connections. As the name indicates, it is TeamViewer's full suite of services for team and group collaboration.

TeamViewer QuickSupport does not need to be installed to run, making it ideal for users who want to connect quickly for support services.

TeamViewer Host allows for 24/7 access to remote computers, including the ability to log in and out and reboot remotely. It is designed for server maintenance and home office access.

TeamViewer QuickJoin enables customers to participate in online presentations without any need of complicated set-ups.

TeamViewer Manager is designed so that administrators can log in from anywhere and diagnose, monitor, and report on the functionality of connections.

TeamViewer Portable is a streamlined application that can run from a USB stick or a CD, allowing for portability and simplified access to TeamViewer's service options.

Similarly, LogMeIn offers a wide range of remote access tools:

LogMeIn Pro is the most basic version of LogMeIn, allowing users to remotely access their files for management.

LogMeIn Rescue enables users to remotely support PCs, Macs, and smartphones without any pre-installed software.

LogMeIn Central is a web-based management console that supports remote support sessions.

Restrictions

LogMeIn allows multiple users to connect to a single host, but only one user can control that session/connection.

TeamViewer only allows one connection (channel) at a time with the free version, or three with the "Corporate" version of their software. While only one connection can be made in the free version, screen-sharing for meetings and presentations can be done with up to 15 "participants" (i.e., users can watch the session content, not be connect with the computers themselves).

Mobile Apps

LogMeIn has mobile apps for iOS and Android. The iOS app is free, and allows remote control, remote app access, HD quality images, file management, cloud integration, email attachments, and photo management. The Android version is also free and allows for remote access, remote app access, and remote sound. Both apps require one to have a trial or paid version of LogMeIn to work.

TeamViewer offers apps for Android, Windows 8, and Blackberry. These are all free to download and use personally, and allow mobile access to an office desktop or other computer. Users can also remotely administer unattended computers, such as servers.

Price

LogMeIn for Individuals costs $99 a year and allows access to 2 computers from the web, a computer, or mobile devices running on the iOS or Android operating systems. A "Power User" subscription rate is $249 a year, allowing access to up to 5 computers, and the "Small Business" rate is $449 a year for remote access of up to 10 computers.

TeamViewer is free for all noncommercial users, but limits free remote access to a one-to-one experience (i.e., only one device can connect to one other device). To be able to connect to more computers and/or devices, a user must consider a commercial license:

Business: $749 for one licensed workstation and meetings of up to 15 participants; most service options included. Additional licensed workstations are $139 each.

Premium: $1,499 for unlimited workstations, up to 25 participants in a meeting, and nearly every service option provided.

Corporate: $2,839 for unlimited workstations, up to 25 participants in a meeting, and every TeamViewer service option provided. Also, up to 3 sessions can run simultaneously, with additional channels costing $989 each.

TeamViewer licenses are one-time fees that include free version upgrades (from 10.1 to 10.2, for example). Major version releases (e.g., from 9 to 10) have an optional upgrade fee.

Security Features

LogMeIn uses 256-bit SSL end-to-end encryption for all connections . [1] The user logs in using an email address and password, and can select additional verification steps, such as one-time-use codes from a pre-printed sheet, or from emails. When logging in from a new remote location, users can authenticate either using a personal password of an RSA SecurID two-factor authenticator.

Risks

Users should be careful when allowing someone else remote access of their computer through LogMeIn or TeamViewer, as that individual can access any files as though they were sitting at the computer themselves.

Popularity

LogMeIn is used by both individual PC users and large companies, including BestBuy, HSBC, and Rolls-Royce.

TeamViewer is used by more than 100,000,000 across the world, including by companies such as Dell, Philips, Intel, Microsoft, IBM, and UPS.